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Pure & Simple Nut Bars

May 9, 2013 by Monica Nelson Leave a Comment

Who does not love a chewy, rich, delicious nut bar that is actually made with only pure and simple ingredients? Nuts are so good for you and there is not one nut I do not like (except for the “nutty” people that are running around in my city of course!). Anyways, these bars taste so good that every time I had one, they reminded me of the holidays (minus all the buttter!).

What I find though, (as I am sure you will too), is many of these so-called “Health” nut bars, or protein bars, or energy bars may have some good ingredients in them but also, a ton of not good for you ingredients! I am talking about ingredients such as GMO’s, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and the list goes on and one. Not in my kitchen baby!

Moni Nut Bars

So I made a bar that delivers both! Taste and Clean Ingredients. These bars come with 1 cup of nuts and an amazing flavor that can’t be beat. I also totally dig the texture. You see … they are not too chewy but not too “hard” either as many bars can be. I use only 1/3 cup of brown sugar where a typical recipe would call for 1 cup. I also put in 2-3 tablespoons of agave vanilla syrup to just give a little bit more sweetness without being far too much.  I only use 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (can use butter if you do not have coconut oil) where again a typical recipe usually calls for 1 cup of butter! Ummm…No thanks.

Moni nut bars

Another amazing part to these is they are super easy! You know me, it has to be something many of us busy people can “whip” right up. Will take you 30 min tops WITH cooking time.

Moni Nut Bars

NOTES:

* you can use butter if you do not have coconut oil

* you can make these vegan by subbing the eggs with “flax eggs.” HOW: Grind 1 tbs of flax seeds. Add 3 tbs of water. (That is for one egg). Mix well & store in fridge for about 15 mins. Can do all at once too!

* test the texture before you put it in the pan. Make sure it is the level of sweet and salt that you like and if it seems to liquid just add a little bit more whole-wheat pastry flour.

These are a treat that you can feel good about giving to the kids too. Great for “pre or post” fuel after a hard workout too!

Enjoy!

Try all my Moni Lightened-Up Treats!


Servings

About 12

Filed Under: "Lightened Up" Treats, Baking, Breakfast, Christmas Treats, Cookies, Desserts, EASY Meals & Treats, Holidays, Meals, Most Popular, Vegetarian Tagged With: agave, brown sugar, coconut oil, eggs, nuts, vanilla, whole-wheat pasty flour

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Hi! I'm Monica Nelson and I'm thrilled that you're here. As a healthy chef, personal trainer & fitness expert, I love helping people look & feel great! That's why I've developed more than 350 recipes from diet-conscious to decadent - but all delicious - so you can experiment with healthy foods that taste great. Take a look around and try a recipe or two and head over for a quick workout at monicanelsonwellness.com

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Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy ye Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy yet super tasty and fun treat for the 4th!
You can also use this same coconut cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long! Enjoy. 

GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH COCONUT CREAM
🍍🍍🍍

INGREDIENTS

For the Marinade:
• 1 tbs coconut oil (can also use olive)
• 1 tsp  ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tbs dark honey
• 1 vanilla bean (can be optional – but I love it here)
• 1 tbs of fresh lime juice
• 1 firm yet ripe pineapple, can buy already cut
For Garnish (Optional):
• 1 tbs dark rum
• 1 tbs grated lime zest from the lime
My Coconut Cream:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)

DIRECTIONS

Marinade:
1. In a large bowl – combine the oil, cinnamon, honey, vanilla bean (if using), and lime juice; whisk to well to blend together. Set aside.
2. Place each pineapple half cut-side down and cut it lengthwise into four long wedges; slice away the core. NOTE: Or you can slice it in rings too, which I do often. 
3. Place the pineapple in the bowl with the marinade and stir to coat the pineapple. Heat up the grill.
4. Place on the grill and cook about 3 to 4 mins. You can baste once or twice with the remaining marinade. Turn the fruit and move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. Baste again with the marinade. Grill until the pineapple is tender and golden, about 3 more mins.
5. Remove the pineapple from the grill and place on a platter. Next, brush with the rum – if using. Last, sprinkle with the lime zest. Serve hot or warm!

For the Coconut Cream:
1. With an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and cream of coconut until soft peaks form. TIP: You can also use this same cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long.

So perfect for a summer treat with friends. Enjoy!
Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been making this smoothie or a variation of it for the past 13-14 yrs, heck before there was TikTok. 😂 Such a delicious way to pack in some serious nutrition and those GREENS. 

Smoothies are an incredible tool to your wellbeing. They are super easy, versatile, and gosh dang - delicious and healthy. (If made correctly). That’s why I’m all about getting my clients on the smoothie train - if they’re up for it. 😉 

Just love providing clients with dozens of smoothie recipes I’ve created packed with protein and fiber, including healthy fats that keep you full 3-5 hrs easily. No matter what season of life I’ve been in personally: serious training, fitness modeling, both pregnancies/postpartum/nursing, healing, and now being a busy mom feeding our kids smoothies each morning, smoothies have been an essential piece.

This is a loose recipe so you can add anything else you want. Just make sure you have your protein source, your favorite veggies (hello phytonutrients), fiber sources and healthy fat. 

** Tip: put all the ingredients (EXCEPT the liquid) in the blender the night before! This tip has helped for years.

🥬GREEN ME UP SMOOTHIE🥬

• Handful of organic greens
• 1-2 cups organic celery (vitamins A, K, C, hydrating, supports digestion)
• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice (makes it thick, extra fiber)
• 1 Brazil nut (gives daily selenium, which is important for fertility)
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 1/4 cup wild blueberries
• 1 tsp organic spirulina @nowfoodsofficial 
• 1/4-1/2 ceylon cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar, antioxidant)
• 1 scoop @paleovalley bone broth powder
• 1 scoop whey - I like isolate and @nowfoodsofficial has a good one
• Creatine @nowfoodsofficial (fav supplement for 10+ yrs)
• 6-8 oz of unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 scoop of @beeyawellness for topping, optional 

Other options I rotate in: ginger root, basil & chia seeds, psyllium husk powder, lemon (vitamin C), herbs like cilantro & mint, dandelion greens (great source of vitamin K).

1. Place everything in a HIGH-speed blender (yes this is important. Otherwise you’ll get salad texture). Blend for about 1 min. Enjoy!
Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m utterly positive is a true magical fairy princess. We did a purple bday theme to match her cast. We just love watching you shine and embrace your world! 
You bring such joy and laughter to us Aubyn and may your birthday be as extraordinary as you are, sweet one. 💜🎂💜
Your kids are always listening. Always watching. A Your kids are always listening. Always watching. Always paying attention to your every move. They want to be. just. like. you. Healthy habits start young! Glad to see these two at 23 months & 6 yrs old lifting all on their own. 💪🏻

Recently Asher rushed home from school and said “I’m working out for 10 mins to get strong.” Followed by “then I can break free from all the hugs.” We learned that apparently 3 girls at recess hug Asher nonstop and he wants to get strong to “get away from all the girls.” 😳 Never a dull moment.
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About

Hi! I'm Monica Nelson and I'm thrilled that you're here. As a healthy chef, personal trainer & fitness expert, competitive athlete & sports model, I love helping people look & feel great! Try a recipe or read a wellness blog and tell me what you think.

Popular Posts

Salad with kale, chickpeas, and butternut squash.
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